Ippo in Mexico Arc

Ippo in Mexico Arc
Information
Volumes	128-130, (3 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1292-1316, (25 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Importance of the Support Role Arc
Next	Keith Dragon Arc

The Ippo in Mexico Arc (一歩メキシコ編, Ippo Mekishiko-hen) is the fiftieth story arc in the series and the fourth in the Bold Retirement Saga.

With Ippo wanting to continue his research as a coach, Kamogawa suggested for him to go to Mexico for the best materials to help his studying. Ippo goes to Mexico, where Sendō and Alfredo have an upcoming pre-world title match against each other before super champion Ricardo's twenty-second WBA featherweight title defence against former WBC featherweight world champion Billy McCallum.

Summary

Ippo's Arrival to Mexico

Ippo meeting Sendō in Mexico.

Ippo tells Kumi, Taihei, and Kintarō that he is going to Mexico by himself to watch Sendō fight and study. Kumi becomes worried about the motivation that Ippo has for his trip. As Ippo takes off to Mexico by plane, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki discuss whether or not Ippo watching Sendō fight would force him to face his obligations before coming back to the ring. Kimura asks Takamura if he knows what it would take. Takamura claims it is pointless and suggests for them to be more worried about Ippo being alone in Mexico and the possibility of getting hurt or having trouble. Ippo arrives at the airport in Mexico and feels lonely as he can not read the signs. While waiting for the individual that the Naniwa Boxing Club sent to pick up Ippo, he bumps into a passerby, knocking both of their suitcases out of their hand. Ippo grabs his, but since they have similar looking suitcases, the passerby thinks that Ippo stole theirs, calling Ippo a thief. As Ippo becomes surrounded, he runs away. Ippo is then saved by the arrival of the Scamaras Brothers, who gives Ippo a wrestling mask as the brothers call him "Dekamaras" (デカマラス). Ippo gets driven by the brothers to where Sendō is and greets him as Dekamaras while doing a wrestling pose. Sendō scolds Ippo for not being serious before his match.

Ippo meeting Alfredo and Ricardo.

Ippo goes with Milo to the Arena México where Sendō and Alfredo's pre-world title match and Ricardo's WBA featherweight title defence will begin the next day. Ippo is amazed about all the wrestling masks in a shop outside the arena before Hoshi informs the two that Sendō's weigh-in is about to begin. Ippo and Milo is handed passes to see the weigh-in. Sendō and Alfredo pass their weight check and, after a stare-off, Ippo admires Sendō for not being pressured as the whole arena is on Alfredo's side. Sendō mentions that it is because he has someone with him and that there isn't much attention towards him anyway. All attention goes to Ricardo as he enters the weigh-in room, with Ippo wanting to get a closer view of his admired world champion. Hoshi asks Sendō if it bothers him that Ippo is acting like a tourist during his important match, as it saddens him to see the one he once wanted to fight end up being a coward after retirement. Sendō told Hoshi be quiet. Hoshi soon found out what Sendō meant when he sees Alfredo and Ricardo approach Ippo: that Ippo draws others in. Ippo and Sendō's group goes out to eat, with Sendō eating a lot of meat to increase his calorie intake. Ippo notices a bug in Sendō's salad, which Milo notices that the chefs did it on purpose since they are Alfredo fans. As Milo was about to complain to the chefs, Sendō stops him. Admiring the chefs dedication to help Alfredo and glad to see others not ignoring him, Sendō eats the salad with the bug in it.

Ippo and Sendō having a no-contact spar.

At the Lucha Lucha Gym, Sendō plans to spar to take off some calories. While Ippo is worried about Sendō getting hit a day before his match, Hoshi hands Ippo boxing gloves and explains that it will only be mass boxing. With Ippo being chosen to be Sendō's sparring partner in a no-hit sparring session, he gets in the ring and questions why he has to wear headgear. Ippo and Sendō begin their mass boxing spar, with Ippo dodging Sendō's punches, quickly realising that Sendō is trying to hit him in the no-hit spar. After Ippo throws punches that he purposely did not connect, Sendō gets angry and pushes Ippo off balance. Sendō sends a Smash, which only hits Ippo's headgear, making it spin around on his head. Yanaoka arrives and stops the spar immediately, scolding Hoshi and Marascas for allowing them to spar. Sendō thanks Ippo for the spar, and Yanaoka mentions to Sendō how Ippo has evolved. Sendō remembers how Ippo was getting hit when he did not have to, even when he dodged the last time they sparred. Yanaoka notes the accumulated damage can destroy ones senses, but can alleviate after a break, with studying on boxing can also widen one's scope. Yanaoka adds one needs motivation to return to the ring without returning halfheartedly and get destroyed. Yanaoka thanks Ippo for sparring with Sendō, as he now expects that he will show something good for the match.

Semi-Final - Pre-World Title Match - Takeshi Sendō (WBA Rank 1/WBC Rank 9) VS. Alfredo González (WBA Rank 2/WBC Rank 3)

Sendō entrance for his match against Alfredo.

On the next day, the match between Sendō and Alfredo is about to begin at the Arena México. Sendō makes his entrance to the ring with a tiger behind him in a screen. Ippo is surprised to hear the audience cheer for him. Milo Scamaras explains how all Mexicans love tigers due to famous Japanese tiger-themed pro wrestlers that come to Mexico. Alfredo then makes an entrance to the ring with a skull behind him in a screen. Milo asks Ippo who would win, however, Ippo can't come up with an answer. However, Ippo notes that both are equal in ability, but Alfredo is more precise and Sendō has more power. In the waiting room, Nargo mentions to Ricardo that by experience, Sendō's fists are the strongest of all featherweights in the world, though, doubts that Ricardo ever hit him in a spar a full strength. Ricardo summarises punching power on a scale of 1 to 10, with 5 being able to defeat an opponent, feeling that a 10 would be overkill.

Sendō fighting Alfredo.

The match between Sendō and Alfredo begins, and Sendō immediately hits Alfredo with a Smash when they were suppose to touch gloves. Alfredo is unfazed, as he expected Sendō to be bold. Alfredo then pushes Sendō back with combinations while Sendō is unable to hit him. Sendō is unable to land a single punch on Alfredo, who calmly is able to hit Sendō while keeping his distance. Sendō questions Alfredo's title of "Grim Reaper", as he remembers Japan's Grim Reaper being more vicious. Alfredo continues to hit Sendō with basic punches and counters without being hit until the first round ends. In the audience, Milo becomes worried about Sendō, wondering what he can do. Ippo knows by experience that one can get countered constantly by Alfredo's left even if they try to push into close range. At the corner, Sendō has Yanaoka to stop his nose bleed while being instructed about the Mexican lefts and how he should view Alfredo as an upgraded version of everyone he fought thus far. Sendō tells Yanaoka to just watch him, as it was his decision to fight him and his responsibility for how it ends. Ippo mentions to Milo how he believes how the match won't end with Sendō unable to do anything, because he is someone who can make the impossible possible.

Ricardo noting that Sendō is sending Alfredo an "invitation".

In round two, after being repeatedly beaten with lefts, Sendō wishes to bring out the the man hiding inside Alfredo's well mannered style that defeated Ippo. Sendō attacks Alfredo with huge swings, missing. Alfredo attempts to counter the punches, but both boxers dodge each others punches. Sendō manages to send Alfredo back after landing a hit on the hand guarding over his face. Ippo tells Milo that Sendō is getting used to Alfredo's punches due to his animalistic sixth sense and the ability to adapt. Ricardo observes that Sendō is sending a message through his fists as an invitation to enjoy themselves. He adds that if one would fall to a punching power of a five, then Alfredo was slowly building up ones, and between the ones, he was able to throw eights and nines, meaning that Alfredo's foundation was tipped over as Sendō throws punches at Alfredo's guard in a corner.

Sendō facing Alfredo's true nature.

As Sendō pins Alfredo to the corner with punches, Ricardo believes Alfredo made a mistake of not using all his power from the start and trying to teach the wild Sendō manners. When Alfredo forces Sendō away from him with a powerful punch, Alfredo's coach thinks Sendō made a huge mistake remembering finding a young Alfredo in the streets, turning him into a boxer where his brutal boxing earned him the nickname "Mextli". The coach also recalled how his violent style was defeated by Ricardo, however, a perfect balance between world-class technique and savagery was realised in his match with Ippo, where he further evolved into his half-god half-demon nature. When Sendō walked over to Alfredo, Alfredo switched to Mextli Mode, making Sendō have to block his violent left. As Sendō became fired up after noticing the same Alfredo that defeated Ippo has emerged, he begins to get pushed back as he was unable to hit Alfredo while getting hit himself.

Sendō lifting Alfredo off the canvas.

Sendō gets forced to the corner from the centre of the ring after taking hits from Alfredo. Ippo mentions to Milo that he knows Sendō was prepared for this, as he has never changed from the time Sendō told him a motto that he loves sticking to a strong opponent and win. After receiving punches on his block at the corner, Sendō drops his fist and delivers a left Smash, hitting Alfredo's two-handed block and lifting him up off his feet before Alfredo skids back to the centre of the ring. Both boxers then commence an exchange at the centre of the ring. Sendō and Alfredo have a lengthy exchange at the centre of the ring, with Alfredo being the only one landing hits, which Milo acknowledges. Sendō wobbles as the second round ends.

Ricardo remembering his match against Date.

At the corner, Hoshi suggests for Sendō to fight at middle range, while Yanaoka advises to remember the reason he came to Mexico. Sendō, wondering why he can't hit Alfredo even though they were fighting at his favoured middle range, realises that it is due to the positioning. In the waiting room, Nargo observes that Alfredo was staying on the outside of Sendō's left arm, which, when Nargo fought him, he spotted a weakness when Sendō threw a big left swing, leaving him open. Bill predicts it will end in the third round, as Alfredo already has cornered Sendō with his courage and precision. Ricardo remembers fighting Date, recalling how frightening Japanese are at the round, however, recognises that Alfredo fought a Japanese before. Alfredo is warned by his coach about how the Japanese become troublesome at this point, advising him to not lose any concentration.

Sendō landing a right Smash on Alfredo's solar plexus.

When round three begins, Sendō and Alfredo immediately commence an exchange at the centre of the ring. Hoshi worries that Sendō will lose, however, Yanaoka mentions that winning or losing is secondary, as if he loses and comes home a little stronger, he would call it a win. As Alfredo lands clean hits and Sendō mostly misses with only a few glancing hits, the audience stomps their feet, shaking Arena México. Ippo recognises the shaking as a lallapallooza. As the audience stomp and cheer for Sendō and Alfredo, Sendō continues to get hit while being unable to land a punch on Alfredo. Alfredo knows from his experience of fighting Ippo that Japanese fighters are troublesome and needs to make Sendō lose consciousness to win. In the waiting room, Bill mentions to Ricardo how Sendō is an example of "machismo", a word Ricardo deeply appreciates. Ricardo asks for the gloves to warm up as he can not sit still while watching, which Bill assumed that Ricardo also felt the fight was going to end soon. As Sendō has trouble against Alfredo, Yanaoka tells Hoshi how Alfredo is clearly better than Sendō, as he only two losses were against Ricardo and he won against Ippo who defeated Sendō twice, adding that Alfredo would be champion if it wasn't for Ricardo. Hoshi questions Yanaoka on how he went with the match knowing there was no chance for winning, but Yanaoka prays for Sendō to get stronger during the match. Milo observes how Alfredo's face is changing despite Sendō missing his punches. Ippo notes that it is because Sendō is changing the speed and path of his punches, and the way he is throwing his punch sets him up for another, changing Alfredo's safe zones. Ippo notices how Sendō is slowly closing the gap and only sees Sendō doing his best. Sendō manages to hit Alfredo right a right Smash to the solar plexus. Recovering from the blow, Alfredo and Sendō bang their heads against each other as the third round ends.

Lisa talking to Alfredo's fans about his match against Sendō.

Lisa is approached by a group of three children, asking her to come watch Alfredo's match on TV. One of the children mentions how Alfredo took them off the street and let them sleep at his gym while also teaching them boxing, something Lisa recognised that Ricardo did for Alfredo in the past and wonders if challenging Ricardo a third time is special, as she thought Alfredo's feelings reached Ricardo after his two attempts. Lisa tells the children how Sendō is a lot like Alfredo. She follows the children as they urge her to watch. At the Arena México, Sendō and Alfredo sit at the corner after the third round, exhausted. Hoshi observes how exhausted Sendō is, wondering how long he can push his body to the limit. Alfredo realises from the unpredictable Smash at the end of the third round that Sendō has instincts honed from battles, even growing stronger during the match and that Sendō is a lot like him. As Alfredo's coach encourages him to beat Sendō to get to Ricardo and the world title, Alfredo replies how he has forgotten about those goals since he was having fun.

Alfredo seeing Sendō as a genuine tiger.

When the fourth round begins, both Alfredo and Sendō head to the centre of the ring and commence an exchange match, with both boxers hitting each other. Alfredo manages to land a punch that knocks Sendō back. Sendō, while his body is bent back after receiving a left hook, throws a left that grazes Alfredo's cheek. Sendō and Alfredo enter an exchange, with Sendō unable to land hits until they both landed a hit in a dual exchange. Alfredo's coach reviews how there are two options Alfredo can take: use footwork and attack from a distance or attack up close. Alfredo decides to attack up close, reflecting while attacking Sendō, that while Mexicans have machismo, the Japanese have Yamato-damashi, needing to attack until he stops moving. Sendō strikes back at Alfredo's guard, thinking about how he will brag to his grandmother about how he made a good friend in Mexico. When Sendō breaks Alfredo's guard, Alfredo lessens the damage of the following punch by using the Neck Spin, he still gets shaken, however. Viewing Sendō as a genuine tiger, Alfredo outclasses him in a exchange until both boxers are hit with another duel exchange. Ippo becomes jealous of the two boxers, as they are experiencing happiness of surpassing their own limits that can only be achieved in the ring. After Sendō is hit by Alfredo's right hook, the referee gets between the two.

Sendō fired up after his match against Alfredo resumes.

Sendō wonders why the referee got between him and Alfredo, getting angry as he is unable to understand the Spanish-speaking referee until Yanaoka informs Sendō that his taping on his glove is loose. Ippo explains to Milo how the tape probably peeled off due to sweat or water for rinsing, and if it doesn't get fixed, it could get into the opponent's eyes. Hoshi chooses to fix Sendō's taping, purposely going slow to buy time to help Sendō recover. Seeing this, Ippo urgently tells Hoshi to not stall for time, as Sendō is fired up, not wanting him to cool down. Hoshi quickly fixes the taping and the referee resumes the match. Sendō, fired up more, rushes to the centre of the ring where Alfredo is. Alfredo comes to a realisation that the reason Sendō is still standing is because of fighting Ippo twice, taking his punches. Alfredo decides he has to use a punch that Sendō will be unprepared for even after those two matches.

Sendō landing a right overhand on Alfredo's forehead, breaking his right fist.

Alfredo and Sendō have an exchange, with Alfredo landing more punches while feeling that Sendō has been growing more stronger as the match goes on. Sendō, wishing to see the counter that Alfredo put Ippo down with, throws a Knuckle Drop-to-Smash combination. Even though Alfredo could see how open the the first attack looked, he was unable to counter and dodged instead. Alfredo blocked the Smash, however, he still felt pain through the block. Alfredo's coach becomes puzzled as to why Alfredo focused on the defensive, as the way Sendō threw his punches would make it easy to counter. Alfredo feels mocked as he sees Sendō throwing another wide swing, but with his arms numb, he is unable to throw a counter so he instead makes Sendō hit his forehead. The impact causes Alfredo to go to the ropes and Sendō's right hand to break, something that Ricardo notices. Sendō advances toward Alfredo, intending to use his left while Alfredo chooses to not back down nor act defensive anymore.

Sendō defeating Alfredo.

As Sendō pauses at the centre of the ring and Alfredo is at the ropes, Milo questions as to why Sendō won't go and end the match, wondering if he can't move. Ippo is positive he can move, as that is what he was trained for. Sendō is stunned from the pain in his right hand, while Alfredo's head becomes clear again and stances for a counter. After two exchanges with their lefts leaving both of their knees buckling, Sendō and Alfredo launches another attack with their lefts. Sendō and Alfredo have a third dual exchange with their lefts, resulting in Alfredo staying at the ropes and Sendō being pushed back to the centre of the ring, having to stomp to keep himself standing. Sendō charges at Alfredo, intending to use his injured right fist even though it hurts badly while clenching. Alfredo prepares a right counter, feeling pressured while looking at Sendō's attack, but he is able to throw a counter by believing in his own career, his previous opponents he has faced, and his drive to show Sendō what his machismo is. Both rights connect, and Sendō begins to go down. Sendō catches himself from falling and hits Alfredo with a left uppercut, sending him up in the air and then down on the canvas. The referee ends the match between Sendō and Alfredo without a count as Alfredo lies down and Sendō stands as the victor.

Alfredo bumping fists with Sendō to congratulate him.

After winning his match, Sendō complains to Yanaoka and Hoshi how his right fists is in pain and has Hoshi lend him his shoulder. As Alfredo's coach checks on Alfredo, Alfredo walks over to Sendō and bumps Sendō's right fist as he tells him that he did it. Sendō's right fist ached from the bump as Alfredo informed his seconds that he is disbanding "team Alf," as he is satisfied, waving goodbye to the crowd. Elsewhere, Lisa watched in tears at the event on the TV with five other children who are Alfredo fans, planning to tell Alfredo how great he did when he gets back. The children are determined that team Alf isn't over yet, telling Lisa that it is their turn next.

Sendō shouting viva Mexico to the audience.

As the crowd cheers for Alfredo, Sendō and his corner proceeds to leave as Sendō wants to give his right fist a shot and his corner doesn't want the crowd to get ugly towards them. The ring announcer stops them to let Sendō do a victory interview. After, Milo reminds Sendō of Mexico's magic words, Sendō shouted the famous Mexico saying "Viva Mexico," which the crowd responded with "Viva Tigre". After Sendō leaves the ring, Milo mentions to Ippo how Sendō exceeded his expectations. Ippo claims that Sendō is stronger than when he knew him before, and notes how Sendō especially enjoyed the fourth round, where he became faster and stronger, anticipating a counter while throwing big punches that pressured Alfredo so much that he had to go through exchanges to try and find a counter chance. Ippo is baffled as to why Sendō could stay standing after taking the right-on-right counter that knocked himself down, along with all the exchanges, knowing that one can not improve on how much damage they can take. While Ippo is unsure about Milo's suggestion that it has to do with the Japanese spirit or guts, Ippo takes the match as a good learning experience, positive he still has much to learn. Milo comments how Ippo seems to want to get into the ring himself, however, Ippo claims he meant a good learning experience as a trainer.

Main Event - WBA Featherweight World Title Match - Champion Ricardo Martínez (Twenty-second Defence) VS. Challenger Billy McCallum (WBA Rank 1)

Ricardo in the ring for his match against McCallum.

As the main event is about to start, Ricardo arrives to the ring. The WBA featherweight world champion, Ricardo faces off against his opponent, the former WBC featherweight world champion, Billy McCallum in the ring. Ippo explains to Milo how the undefeated McCallum was trying to fight Ricardo, however, the WBC refused to go for it with McCallum having a mandatory WBC defence, so McCallum relinquished his title to fight Ricardo. While Milo predicts a knockout win for Ricardo in the early rounds, Ippo mentions a moment when one can tell who will win taught to him by his coach: the moment they step into the ring and throw their first punch is when it comes together, where even the mistakes one makes during training could be forgiven if they are strong in the ring. In the corner before the match, McCallum realises that the reason that, even with the world belt he wasn't called the strongest because Ricardo is still around, wanting to prove that he is the strongest by facing him. Ippo and Milo watch McCallum's shadowboxing and quickly notices how sharp his punches are. Ricardo can still feel the heat from Sendō and Alfredo's match, feeling apologetic that he can't offer the same heat, however, he hopes that McCallum answers his high expectations of him.

Ricardo using the Neck Spin on McCallum's left counter.

As the first round starts, McCallum charged to Ricardo at the centre of the ring and stops. Ippo observes that McCallum is strong, worrying that Ricardo could be in trouble. Watching Ricardo and McCallum in the ring, Ippo is breath taken by Ricardo's perfectly natural stance and strategy of using the first round to gather information and the second round to start making moves.with the information gathered. He also remembers the intense pressure that Ricardo emits, almost passing out. He mentions to Milo that what is most breathtaking is that McCallum's guard is down despite being in front of Ricardo, noticing that it is the Detroit Style. Wondering if he is from Detroit due to the name of the style, Milo confirms to Ippo that he is from Philadelphia. Bill recognises McCallum's Detroit Style, and reflects how the Detroit Style is said to be born from Philadelphia, where it got the name "Philly Shell," thinking that McCallum is the real deal being that he is from Philadelphia. Ippo tells Milo about the stance and wonders how long it will take for Ricardo to figure how to beat it, but when he does figure it out, the match could end at that moment. Watching on the screen in the venue's locker room, Sendō becomes annoyed by the lack of movement, while Yanaoka points out to him of the pressure that McCallum is emitting and that Ricardo has to wait for McCallum's first move.

With McCallum starting his rhythm by swinging his left arm while using the Philly Shell, Ricardo throws the first punch, which McCallum blocks, leaving Sendō and Yanaoka shocked. As Ricardo sent out multiple left jabs, McCallum continued to block every attack with his right, while Ricardo regrets never having the same heat in his matches like Sendō and Alfredo left. Stepping back, McCallum tells Ricardo how a real clam shell won't open for something like that, which Ricardo saw as an invitation. Ricardo attacks McCallum in many places with fast lefts, however, McCallum blocks every one. Talking about the Philly Shell, Yanaoka mentions to Sendō how it isn't much different from the Detroit Style, which is known for it's offence. Sendō assumed that McCallum is a more defensive type boxer then, but Yanaoka notes that the style's most threatening part isn't the defence. Surprised by Ricardo's lefts, McCallum realises how Ricardo has never been defeated, however, he knows that Ricardo is itching to use his right. Seeing a right coming, McCallum dodges and throws a left counter, which Ricardo also dodges. Ricardo was amazed by McCallum's counter, but wondered if his matches are boring since he can predict every punch, making him never take a hit, feeling that he can't resonate with the audience. Ricardo reflected on how he is a man like anyone else, and pondered why can't anyone see his machismo. Ricardo requests for McCallum to come to him and fight, wanting him to bring out his inner strength. As Ricardo throws a one-two, McCallum sees it plans to attack back.

Ricardo attacking McCallum's guard while wishing for him to fight more.

McCallum throws a left counter as Ricardo finishes his one-two. Ricardo blocks the counter with his left fist as he urges McCallum to answer his expectations. McCallum throws left Flicker Jabs at close range, which only hits Ricardo's block. McCallum detests that he has to use his right early in the match as he begins to throw it, however, McCallum stops himself and steps back as he assumes that Ricardo was waiting for him to throw it in order to land a counter. After Ricardo threw three lefts at McCallum, McCallum steps back into the ropes. Ricardo throws a barrage of lefts that hits McCallum's Philly Shell block. As Sendō yells at the television screen about not liking the match, Yanaoka suggests for him to watch the match seriously as Ricardo may be his next opponent. Sendō retorts that he never agreed to fight Ricardo, as he only came to Mexico for Alfredo, not planning to do what Ricardo says, especially with the way Ricardo is fighting, thinking that he is cooling the ring down. McCallum notices how Ricardo pauses for a second after throwing three quick lefts and tries to attack, however, he stops himself when he realises that Ricardo was about to set up a counter. As Ricardo throws more lefts, making McCallum's left arm throb from blocking Ricardo's attacks, McCallum starts to throw a left.

Ricardo defeating McCallum.

As McCallum throws out a left at Ricardo, Ricardo catches it and hits McCallum's Philly Shell L-shaped guard with left jabs. McCallum's left arm throbs with pain due to the jabs, being able to only barely lift it. McCallum makes a desperate attack only to be met with relentless jabs to the face from Ricardo. Sendō recognises Ricardo's tactic of breaking the L-shaped guard with force as when Ippo did it to Mashiba's Hitman Style stance in the East Japan Rookie King Tournament finals. Ippo is surprised by how strong Ricardo is, wondering if Ricardo feels lonely being unable to find someone to bring out his true abilities. Ricardo becomes disappointed as McCallum falls to the canvas. The referee decides to end the fight, resulting in Ricardo's victory in the first round. Ricardo reflects how he doesn't wish for fame and fortune, only for someone to show him how strong he truly is and to get closer to the heart of boxing. Ippo realises how he grows because of the opponents he fights while Ricardo has never experienced it due to having trivial matches. He at first thought it would be lonely, however, he remembered when Takamura told him that the view isn't lonely, but extraordinary, wondering what Ricardo sees.

Ippo on a plane, leaving Mexico.

Elsewhere, Alfredo ponders how he views Ricardo as his big brother which is why he didn't want him to be alone, however, he believes a certain duo will not let him be alone. Ippo and Sendō's group prepare to group up and leave for a victory party. At the airport in Mexico, Sendō gloats to Ippo how he defeated Alfredo by knockout who defeated Ippo by knockout, making Sendō stronger than Ippo. Ippo responds that it makes sense, making Sendō frustrated that Ippo doesn't care about being one-upped. Ippo asks Sendō if he will face against Ricardo. Sendō reveals that he will once his broken fist heals. As Ippo looked worried, Sendō reassures him that he will figure something out against Ricardo. Sendō leaves with his group after thanking the Scamaras Brothers for everything. When Ippo hears the brothers tell Sendō goodbye in Spanish, Ippo was confused. Milo teaches Ippo common Spanish sayings before Ippo leaves after thanking him. On the plane to Japan, Ippo thanks Mexico as he has learned a lot.

Ippo's Return to Japan

Kimura's wig falling off, revealing a Kappa hairstyle.

At the Kamogawa gym, Kimura and Itagaki are amazed about Sendō's strength while Aoki wishes for them to not spoil him since he hasn't watched it yet. Kimura asks Takamura about what he thinks on his rival for the pound-for-pound best, Ricardo. Takamura changes the subject by wanting to know why Kimura has wavy brown hair when Kimura's head was just shaved. Takamura knocks off Kimura's wig, leaving him shocked to see that Kimura has hair resembling that of a Kappa. Kimura explains that the roots and follicles of his hair are malnourished, making his hair grow unevenly, which is why he is wearing a wig.

Ippo returns to Japan.

As Takamura claims that Kimura's hair is too weird, Kimura lifted up his wig asking if he means his Kappa hairstyle, which Takamura and Aoki holds back their laughter. Kimura insists that they can laugh if they want, but Aoki and Itagaki understands that it is from harsh weight control, while Takamura believes that laughing at him would be laughing at himself as he knows about harsh weight management by experience, so he can not laugh at him. When Kimura showed his Kappa hairstyle, Takamura almost laughed. Takamura declares that he will not laugh, and, when Kimura did not believe him, Takamura orders everyone that if anyone laughs at Kimura, they would have to pay one million yen or get deported, with the rule also applying to him. Kimura tries to get Takamura to laugh, however, Takamura survives. Aoki mentions that it is Ippo's fault, which Takamura notes that Ippo already took his deportation. Taihei and Kintarō becomes sad as they remember Ippo is away in Mexico, missing him. Takamura soon spots Ippo walking to the gym as Taihei and Kintarō get excited. When Ippo goes up to the rooftop to meet everyone, he is relieved with nostalgia. Ippo gives everyone wrestling masks he got from Mexico a a souvenir. When Kimura takes off his mask, which is a Kappa mask, his wig came off along with it, showing his Kappa hairstyle which matches the mask, causing everyone to laugh as Kimura shouts for everyone to pay up. As he laughs, Ippo feels like he is right at home. At the Mashiba family's home, Kumi shows Mashiba her mask, making Mashiba comment that Ippo should get deported.

Ippo telling Kamogawa that nothing is impossible.

At the Kamogawa gym's office, Kamogawa asks Ippo if his trip to Mexico was of any use. Ippo answers that he sees why Mexico is the kingdom of the lighter weight classes and that Sendō was amazing, knowing that he will be able to figure something out against Ricardo. Ippo mentions to Kamogawa that on the way home to Japan, he fought Ricardo a hundred times in his head, and, after the 95th time, he decided that if he took him to a close range punching match, there was some hope as Ricardo would have an opening for him to push through. Kamogawa asks Ippo about a 101st time, but Ippo notes that if one thinks hard about it, even in a match where everyone thinks it is impossible to win, if they have one hint, they can open a path, adding that the opponent is human, so as long as one keeps moving their body and head, nothing is impossible. As Ippo concludes that that is what he learned and plans to tell new boxers in the present and future, he thanks Kamogawa before leaving. Kamogawa reflects how Ippo has learned something after all.